How to dress a newborn for the weather
A newborn usually needs one layer more than an adult: a bodysuit, a long-sleeve top, a warm layer and a snowsuit in the cold.
What to wear (Newborn (0–3 months)) at different temperatures
- Base layer
- Bodysuit, Long-sleeve top
- Warm layer
- Fleece
- Outer layer
- Snowsuit
- Head
- Winter hat
- Hands
- Mittens
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit, Long-sleeve top
- Warm layer
- Cardigan, Fleece
- Outer layer
- Snowsuit
- Head
- Winter hat
- Hands
- Mittens
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit, Long-sleeve top
- Warm layer
- Fleece
- Outer layer
- Snowsuit
- Head
- Winter hat
- Hands
- Mittens
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit, Long-sleeve top, Pants
- Warm layer
- Fleece
- Outer layer
- Light jacket
- Head
- Winter hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit, Long-sleeve top, Pants
- Warm layer
- Cardigan
- Outer layer
- Light jacket
- Head
- Thin hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Sun hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Sun hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
- Base layer
- Bodysuit
- Warm layer
- not needed
- Outer layer
- not needed
- Head
- Sun hat
- Hands
- not needed
- Shoes
- not needed
- Extras
- not needed
More details
A newborn barely moves on a walk, so they usually need one layer more than an adult. Below are guides for different temperatures.
At 20°F: bodysuit, long-sleeve top, fleece, snowsuit, winter hat, mittens. For 60°F, choose bodysuit, long-sleeve top, pants, cardigan, light jacket, thin hat. At 90°F: bodysuit, sun hat.
In the stroller, shield your baby from wind but avoid overheating: a thin layer is enough under a blanket. Newborns do not need a scarf: the snowsuit and hat cover the neck. A cotton base layer breathes well, while fleece keeps warm and stays light. Indoors and in the car, remove the outer layer so your child does not overheat. Dress for the feels-like temperature: wind and humidity make the air feel colder. Pack a spare layer: the weather and your plans can change. Several thin layers work better than one thick piece: they are easier to take off indoors or in the car.
Check the back of the neck: warm, dry skin is a good sign. This is a guide, not medical advice.
Other temperatures
Pick a temperature to see the layers for every age.
Questions and answers
How do I know my baby is not too warm?
Feel the neck or back: warm but not sweaty is right.
Is a hat needed in summer?
In the sun, a light sun hat.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is a clothing guide; watch how your child feels and follow your pediatrician’s advice.
Where can I get advice for my weather?
In the Layer app: it reads temperature, wind, humidity and UV and suggests layers by age.
What should my kid wear today?
Layer suggests layers from the forecast for your city.
iPhone and Android
Not medical advice
